New Bill Would Expand Bush Stem Cell Limits

June 23, 2004 -- House lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill Wednesday designed to add to mounting pressure on President Bush to relax limitations on federally funded embryonic stem cell research.

The bill allows the government to fund research on stem cells derived from embryos unused in vitro fertilization procedures and slated for destruction. It prohibits patients or clinics from receiving any money in exchange for the embryos.

The measure would expand the number of stem cell lines eligible for funding.

Embryonic stem cells are cells that can develop into any type of cell in the human body Stem cells can reproduce themselves, creating a line of stem cells for researchers to work with.

Bill sponsors say they have enough support to pass the bill in the House, but they stress that they want to avoid a potentially embarrassing vote for the president and instead convince the White House to alter its stem cell policy.

President Bush issued a presidential directive on August 9, 2001, limiting federal research funding to embryonic stem cells in existing cell lines. Bush said at the time that he wanted to advance a promising area of research without promoting the destruction of embryos that had the potential to develop into human life. The process of extracting stem cells from an embryo destroys the embryo.

A bipartisan group of 206 House members signed an April 28 letter asking President Bush to change the policy. The letter echoed complaints by many scientists that only 15 or so cell lines are suitable for research.

Supporters Boast Majority

"Our belief is that we have a working majority at this time," says Rep. Michael N. Castle (R-Del.), a co-author of the measure.

Republican House leaders have opposed bills that would force the president to widen federal funding for embryonic stem cell studies. Under House rules, a majority of members can force leaders to hold a vote on a bill by signing what is called a discharge petition. Supporters say that they will resist circulating a petition with the hopes that President Bush will bow to mounting pressure to increase research dollars.